Holiday tea to be served at Historic Oakland

West Columbia

A holiday tea at Historic Oakland will be offered from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 12 and 19.

The two-course meal, catered by The Tea Trolley, is served in the restored mansion's ballroom. Local vendors will be available during the event for last-minute shopping.

The cost is $20 a person, including tax.

Registration is required.

Historic Oakland is at 5430 Vantage Point Road. Information: 410-730-4744 or visit www.historic-oakland.com.

Hanukkah party set for Wednesday

A Hanukkah Tunes and Tales party, sponsored by area synagogues and community organizations, will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the central library, 10375 Little Patuxent Parkway.

Songs, stories and crafts are planned.

The event is sponsored by Beth Shalom Congregation, the Columbia Jewish Congregation, Bet Yeladim Preschool, the Parent Resource Place of Jewish Family Services in Howard County, and the Jewish Federation of Howard County.

Information: 410-531-5115.

Around town

Tree sale -- The Atholton High School Athletic Boosters holiday tree sale is planned for today, Saturday and Dec. 9 in the fenced area on the school's auditorium parking lot, 6520 Freetown Road. Douglas fir, Fraser fir and blue spruce will be for sale from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. The Atholton Drama Boosters will also sell wreaths. Proceeds will benefit the school's athletic and drama programs. 410-313-7065.

About Israel -- Lubavitch Center for Jewish Education, 770 Howes Lane in Sebring, is offering a six-week course about Israel, its connection to the Jewish people and its place in the world. "The Land, The Spirit" will be held from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays through next weekend. There is a fee. Classes have begun but registration is continuing. 410-740-2424 or www.myjli.com.

Play group -- The Town Center Community Association is still accepting registration for the fall mini-session of Parents & Tots Play Groups that began last week. Children ages 6 months to 4 years meet Tuesdays; 6 months to 24 months, Wednesdays; and 6 months to 4 years, Thursdays. The four-week-long groups meet from 10 a.m. to noon at Historic Oakland, 5430 Vantage Point Road. Each group is limited to about 15 children. The cost is $10 for Columbia residents; $11 for nonresidents. Siblings pay half-price. 410-730-4744.

Skin care -- A program about skin care for youths ages 11 and older with Dr. Paul Rusonis of Dermatology and Advanced Skin Care will be offered at the central library, 10375 Little Patuxent Parkway, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday. Those who attend can borrow skin care guides from the library's Health Information Center. Registration is required. 410-313-7860.

Mah-jongg -- Those ages 18 or older are invited to Slayton House in Wilde Lake Village Center for mah-jongg at 10 a.m. Wednesdays. Admission is free. Participants are invited to take a game and attend with a friend. 410-730-3987.

Wilde concert -- Wilde Lake High School will present its winter band concert, featuring the concert band and wind ensemble, at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the Jim Rouse Theater at the school, 5460 Trumpeter Road. Tickets, which can be purchased at the door, are $4. 410-313-6965.

Senior yoga -- Yoga Center of Columbia will continue its senior yoga classes at Slayton House in Wilde Lake Village Center. The slower-paced, gentle yoga classes emphasize breathing and stress reduction. Classes will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays through Dec. 20. The cost is $78 for a six-week session; $15 to drop in. Columbia lien-payers can request a 10 percent discount. Registration is recommended. Participants should consult a physician before starting any new exercise program. 410-730-3987.

Charm City Trio -- The Oakland Nights Music Series, sponsored by the Town Center Community Association, will offer a performance by the Charm City Trio from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday in the ballroom at Historic Oakland, 5430 Vantage Point Road. Vocalist Elisabeth Knorr, keyboardist Larry Haavik and saxophone and clarinet player Stan Haavik will perform show tunes, jazz and popular music. The concert includes dessert and coffee. Admission is free; a donation for the performers is encouraged. 410-730-4744.